Going Back to School with Your Braces or Retainers? Try to remember these important tips…

For those of you with braces, pack an extra toothbrush in your backpack.  Don’t let the remnants of your lunch sit on your teeth and braces all afternoon!  Let your teacher know how important it is for you to brush your teeth after meals.  If you like to buy your lunch, remember it’s your responsibility to make good decisions about food.  Avoid items on the “no-no’ list such as hard, crunchy or sticky foods that can break your braces.

Is your team sport starting up again? Those traditional “boil and bite” mouth guards cannot be worn with braces on!  We have specialized orthodontic mouth guards in our office that will properly fit over the braces.

For those of you with retainers that you wear during the day, pack an extra retainer case in your backpack or lunch bag.  Avoid wrapping your retainer in a napkin or paper towel during meals!  This is how many retainers get thrown away at school!  Remember not to eat or drink anything except water with your retainers in.  So if there is a snack, make sure it gets into the case!

Hopefully these tips will help you to be successful at preserving your beautiful smile during the school day!